No Fear Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice
Get this No Fear to go!
Act 2, Scene 9, Page 4
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PORTIA
Thus hath the candle singed the moth.
O these deliberate fools! When they do choose,
They have the wisdom by their wit to lose.
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PORTIA
These men are like moths, drawn to these boxes as if they were flames. This is how the
candle burned the moth. Oh, these fools! When they choose, they only know how to
lose.
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NERISSA
The ancient saying is no heresy.
Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.
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NERISSA
You know what they say. Destiny chooses when you’ll die and who
you’ll marry.
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PORTIA
Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa.
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PORTIA
Come on, close the curtain, Nerissa.
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Enter MESSENGER
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A MESSENGER enters. |
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messenger
Where is my lady?
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MESSENGER
Where’s lady Portia?
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PORTIA
Here. What would my lord?
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PORTIA
Here. How can I help you, sir?
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MESSENGER
Madam, there is alighted at your gate
A young Venetian, one that comes before
To signify th' approaching of his lord,
From whom he bringeth sensible regreets,
To wit—besides commends and courteous breath—
Gifts of rich value. Yet I have not seen
So likely an ambassador of love.
A day in April never came so sweet
To show how costly summer was at hand,
As this forespurrer comes before his lord.
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MESSENGER
Madam, a young Venetian man has arrived to tell us his master is about to arrive. This
lord has sent gifts. Besides his nice polite greetings, his gifts are expensive. I
haven’t seen such a promising candidate for your love. This servant has arrived
before his master the way a sweet spring day hints about a lush summer. But there’s
never been an April day as promising as this.
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PORTIA
No more, I pray thee. I am half afeard
Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee,
Thou spend’st such high-day wit in praising him.—
Come, come, Nerissa, for I long to see
Quick Cupid’s post that comes so mannerly.
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PORTIA
Please don’t tell me any more. I’m almost afraid you’re
going to tell me he’s a relative of yours, because you’re going so crazy
praising him. Come on, Nerissa, I want to go see this man who’s come so
courteously.
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NERISSA
Bassanio, Lord Love, if thy will it be!
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NERISSA
I hope it’s Bassanio coming to win Portia!
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Exeunt |
They exit. |
